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I. ITS OCCASION: a life question of the Church (vers. 5, 11).

1. Not of faith, for concerning that there was no dispute, and that no assembly can finally decide.

2. But of life, of the practical application of the incontestable truths of faith to ecclesiastics ordinance and Christian practice.

II. ITS SPIRIT — truly evangelical. A spirit of —

1. Truth, depending on the Word of God and Christian experience.

2. Love, seeking not its own, but the good of the whole.

III. ITS RESULT — a blessing for the Church.

1. Progress by the decisive victory over antiquated external ordinances; but —

2. On the ground of steadfast Christian faith and love.

(K. Gerok.)

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KJV: And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

WEB: Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved."